Community Foundation Network is a registered charity that leads a movement of community foundations committed to positive social change in the UK through the development of "community philanthropy".  This involves people from all parts of a community working together. Community foundations make a difference by bringing philanthropists who wish to support their local community together with dynamic neighbourhood organisations in need of funding.

Many different kinds of donors use community foundations to manage their funds – individuals, companies, charitable trusts and government agencies. With more than £224m in endowed funds and providing about £70m in grants a year community foundations combined are one of the UK’s biggest non-statutory community grantmakers. Community foundations manage funds donated by both individuals and organisations, while creating endowments and connecting donors to local needs.

CFN also has a role as national membership association for community foundations which encompasses negotiating and managing national grant-making and funding opportunities on behalf of its members and providing direct technical assistance to member community foundations through its network.